Romans 15:22-24, Romans 15:28
The gospel reaches the Gentiles (Romans 15:1–13) and Paul, in his ministry, was allowed to be a precursor to that (Romans 15:14–21). But then once again this raises the question of whether Israel is left behind? Paul therefore briefly revisits the subject matter of Romans 9:1–11:36 here in Romans 15:22–24, albeit in a practically applied format. That which the apostle had set forth in Romans 9:1–11:36 he now applies in practice through his apostolate. The sacrifice made by the Gentiles must serve to make Israel jealous and cause them to continue to approach the Messiah.
Paul is now finally ready to come to Rome. What could possibly prevent him from crossing over to Italy? Nevertheless, he still postpones his visit, returning to Jerusalem first—a return that has great implications for his readers. They have to realize that the gospel is for the Jew first and only then also for Rome. They therefore ought to, as it were, actively accompany Paul by praying for his mission to Jerusalem.
While Rome is indeed the capital city of the powerful Roman empire, for God all peoples are equally important. That is why Paul first had to minister in the territory between Jerusalem and Illyricum (the colonies
) and now he has plans to go to work in a colony west of Rome (Spain). He no longer has to preach in Rome, for the gospel has already reached that city (see Romans 1:8–15). He does, however, hope to visit the city that rules over all these areas while travelling through the area as part of his journey.1
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you.